Variable size modular print head conversion device for multi-material 3D printing

Abstract

The application discloses a variable-size modular printing head conversion device for multi-material 3D printing, comprising an integrated mounting assembly, a conversion driving assembly and a printing head mounting module; the integrated mounting assembly comprises a plurality of printing head supports and a device assembly plate, the printing head supports are arranged on the device assembly plate, the printing head mounting module is mounted on the printing head supports, and the conversion driving assembly is connected with the printing head mounting module; the printing head mounting module comprises a crankshaft crank movement guide frame, a slider printing head mounting frame and a printing head support adjusting frame; the crankshaft crank movement guide frame is connected with the slider printing head mounting frame, and the printing head support adjusting frame is arranged on the slider printing head mounting frame. The conversion device can change the length and width dimensions of the mounting frame by replacing individual parts within a certain range to adapt to the integrated installation of different types of printing heads, and effectively improves the repeated positioning accuracy before and after the conversion of the plurality of printing heads.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically relating to a variable-size modular printhead conversion device for multi-material 3D printing. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of composite material structure design and 3D printing technology, 3D printers that can only print the same type of raw materials can no longer meet the needs of use. Multi-material 3D printers that can integrate multiple 3D printing technology types and feeding extrusion methods and print multiple physical properties of raw materials in succession have begun to be applied in the fields of material structure design and aerospace, and are showing an increasingly important position.

[0003] However, 3D print heads, based on different technologies and feeding / extrusion methods, often vary significantly in appearance and dimensions. This makes the integration and installation of different types of 3D print heads extremely difficult. In actual equipment development, it is often necessary to design unique mounting brackets for the specific structure of each print head, greatly increasing the design workload. Therefore, designing a modular device with size compatibility for installing different types of 3D print heads is essential.

[0004] Furthermore, most existing multi-material 3D printing equipment achieves the switching between different print heads by adding parallel motion axes to a three-axis motion system. Each additional print head requires an additional set of motion axes, and each additional set of motion axes requires an additional set of motor drive control components, making the printer's motion control program more complex. At the same time, this type of equipment, which achieves multi-material 3D printing by adding parallel motion axes, often suffers from poor repeatability between different print heads. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the problems of poor size compatibility, redundant drive structures, and complex control methods in existing multi-material 3D printing equipment's printhead conversion methods, the purpose of this invention is to provide a variable-size modular printhead conversion device for multi-material 3D printing. This device can be equipped with mounting brackets of different lengths and widths within a certain range to accommodate the integrated installation of different types of printheads. Furthermore, it only requires a single motor drive control system to convert a certain number of printheads. It enables a single three-axis motion system to simultaneously drive multiple printheads, effectively solving the problem of poor repeatability and positioning accuracy before and after multiple printhead conversions caused by different motion axes.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A variable-size modular printhead conversion device for multi-material 3D printing includes an integrated mounting assembly, a conversion drive assembly, and a printhead mounting module;

[0008] The integrated mounting assembly includes multiple printhead supports and a device assembly plate. The printhead supports are mounted on the device assembly plate, the printhead mounting module is mounted on the printhead supports, and the conversion drive assembly is connected to the printhead mounting module.

[0009] The printhead mounting module includes a crankshaft and crank motion guide frame, a slider printhead mounting frame, and a printhead support and adjustment frame; the crankshaft and crank motion guide frame is connected to the slider printhead mounting frame, and the printhead support and adjustment frame is mounted on the slider printhead mounting frame.

[0010] Furthermore, the printhead support includes a first flange and a second flange for connecting the printhead mounting module, the two flanges being connected by a wing plate; the first flange is connected to the connecting device assembly plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the conversion drive assembly includes a crankshaft pulley connecting plate, a pulley mounting shaft, a drive pulley, a timing belt, a reducer, a servo motor with an encoder, and a driven pulley; wherein, the output shaft of the servo motor with an encoder is connected to the reducer, the reducer is fastened to the drive pulley, the drive pulley drives the driven pulley to rotate through the timing belt, and the driven pulley drives the printhead mounting module to convert.

[0012] Furthermore, the crankshaft crank motion guide frame includes a lateral fixing plate, a deep groove ball bearing, a quick coupling sleeve, a crankshaft connecting plate, crankshaft adjusting section parts, a crank, and a sliding bearing. The lateral fixing plate is provided with a deep groove ball bearing, and a quick coupling sleeve is provided on the deep groove ball bearing. The quick coupling sleeve is installed on one side of the crankshaft connecting plate, and the crankshaft adjusting section parts are provided on the other side of the crankshaft connecting plate. A sliding bearing is fitted on the crankshaft adjusting section parts, and a crank is fitted on the sliding bearing.

[0013] Furthermore, the crankshaft crank motion guide frame also includes a miniature ball linear guide pair and a guide rail end limit switch, which are mounted on a lateral fixing plate; the lateral fixing plate is connected to the printhead support.

[0014] Furthermore, the crankshaft crank motion guide frame includes a slider printhead mounting frame including a slider frame adjustment front panel, a slider frame side wall panel, and a slider frame adjustment rear panel. The slider frame adjustment rear panel is arranged parallel to the slider frame adjustment front panel, and two slider frame side wall panels are arranged between the slider frame adjustment rear panel and the slider frame adjustment front panel. The slider frame adjustment rear panel, the slider frame adjustment front panel, and the two slider frame side wall panels form a cavity for placing the printhead support adjustment frame.

[0015] Furthermore, the side wall plate of the slider frame is connected to the lateral fixing plate through a miniature ball linear guide pair; the miniature ball linear guide pair is inclined.

[0016] Furthermore, the crankshaft crank motion guide frame also includes a slider frame pin, a pin sliding bearing, and a slider frame connector. After the slider frame is adjusted, the slider frame is mounted on the slider frame connector. The slider frame connector has a hole, in which the slider frame pin is installed. The slider frame connector is connected to the slider frame pin, and the pin sliding bearing is fitted on the slider frame pin. The pin sliding bearing is connected to the crank.

[0017] Furthermore, the printhead support adjustment frame includes a printhead centering plate, a printhead upper support plate, and a printhead Z-axis limiting plate. The printhead Z-axis limiting plate is located at the bottom of the cavity, and the printhead upper support plate is located on the printhead Z-axis limiting plate. A printhead lower support plate is located at the upper part of the cavity, and a printhead centering plate is located on the printhead lower support plate. The printhead Z-axis limiting plate, the two printhead support plates, and the printhead centering plate are all provided with through holes.

[0018] Furthermore, multiple printhead support rods are provided between the printhead Z-axis limiting plate and the printhead support plate, and multiple printhead lower support rods are provided between the printhead lower support plate and the printhead centering plate.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The crankshaft-crank motion guide frame used in this invention effectively ensures that only one printhead is at the working height, while all other printheads are in non-working positions, ensuring that non-working printheads do not interfere with the printing area. This invention's variable-size modular printhead conversion device for multi-material 3D printing only requires selection and adjustment of the dimensions and internal bore morphology of individual parts to achieve integrated installation and switching of different types of 3D printheads within a certain size range (covering various 3D printing technologies such as pneumatic extrusion ink direct writing, screw extrusion ink direct writing, fused deposition modeling, and continuous fiber reinforced composite material stacking). Furthermore, the crankshaft-crank motion guide frame improves the integrated installation and positioning accuracy of different types of printheads, reducing printhead positioning errors caused by material switching. This invention overcomes the problems of poor size compatibility and redundant drive systems in existing multi-printhead conversion devices, and to a certain extent improves the repeatability positioning accuracy before and after multiple printhead conversions.

[0021] Furthermore, in this invention, multiple printhead mounting module groups can be quickly and synchronously installed via a quick-connect sleeve on the crankshaft crank motion guide frame. The entire crankshaft, once connected, rotates under the drive of a motor-driven control system. Driven by the crankshaft crank motion guide frame, the slider printhead mounting bracket reciprocates along the guide rail mounted on the crankshaft crank motion guide frame. When the slider reaches the lowest point of the guide rail, the corresponding printhead triggers a limit switch integrated at the end of the guide rail module, stopping the motor. At this point, the printhead descends to its working height and can begin printing. Simultaneously, other printheads are raised to a non-working position under the action of the crankshaft, allowing the operator to replace and replenish consumables for the non-working printheads during this period.

[0022] Furthermore, this invention achieves the switching of multiple printheads by setting up a quick-connect sleeve, crankshaft connecting plate, crankshaft adjusting section parts, crank, and sliding bearing. Compared to existing methods that achieve printhead switching by adding a motion axis, this is simpler in terms of drive control, requiring only one motor drive interface on the control board to achieve printhead switching. The rotation of the crankshaft drives the slider printhead mounting bracket to move linearly, making the linear motion speed during printhead switching follow a sinusoidal curve distribution. This achieves slow start and slow stop of printhead switching, effectively reducing the impact on the overall printer structure compared to the abrupt start and stop of a linear motion axis.

[0023] Furthermore, by designing all structures affected by the size of the printhead, such as the crankshaft crank motion guide frame and the slider printhead mounting frame, into a combination of parts, this invention allows for the integrated installation of various types of printheads within a certain size range simply by selecting and adjusting the dimensions of individual parts. This greatly improves the size compatibility of the modular printhead conversion device with different types of printheads and maximizes the universality and adaptability of the parts.

[0024] Furthermore, by using a perforated assembly plate and a quick-connect sleeve, the present invention makes the overall layout of the device easy to adjust at any time according to the specific size of the printhead, and achieves quick fastening by bolt tightening, enabling the printhead conversion device to achieve modular and rapid assembly and linkage. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 Left front view of the variable-size modular printhead conversion device;

[0026] Figure 2 Left rear view of the variable-size modular printhead conversion device;

[0027] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of modular printhead integration installation and conversion driver components;

[0028] Figure 4A schematic diagram of the module assembly for installing the printhead; where (a) is the complete left front view, and (b) is the view with the parts hidden.

[0029] Figure 5 An exploded view of the crankshaft and crank assembly components;

[0030] Figure 6 The diagram shows the printhead support adjustment frame; (a) is a diagram with the printhead installed, and (b) is a diagram without the printhead installed.

[0031] In the diagram: 1-Print head support plate, 2-Shaft end retaining ring, 3-Spring washer, 4-Hex head bolt, 5-Crankshaft pulley connecting plate, 6-Pulley mounting shaft, 7-Drive pulley, 8-Synchronous belt, 9-Reducer, 10-Servo motor with encoder, 11-Motor mounting base, 12-Device assembly plate, 13-Slider frame adjustment front panel, 14-Slider frame side wall plate, 15-Side fixing plate, 16-Deep groove ball bearing, 17-Shaft spring retaining ring, 18-Bore spring retaining ring, 19-Quick coupling sleeve, 20-Crankshaft connecting plate, 21- Crankshaft adjustment section parts: 22-Crank, 23-Sliding bearing, 24-Slider frame pin, 25-Pin spring retaining ring, 26-Pin sliding bearing, 27-Slider frame connector, 28-Slider frame adjustment rear plate, 29-Miniature ball linear guide pair, 30-Guide rail end limit switch, 31-Various types of printheads, 32-Printhead centering plate, 33-Printhead support rod, 34-Printhead support plate, 35-Printhead lower support rod, 36-Printhead Z-direction limit plate, 37-Driven pulley, 38-Printhead lower support plate. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention discloses a variable-size modular printhead conversion device for multi-material 3D printing, comprising: an integrated mounting assembly, a conversion drive assembly, and a printhead mounting module; wherein the printhead mounting module comprises three parts: a crankshaft crank motion guide frame, a slider printhead mounting frame, and a printhead support adjustment frame.

[0034] The integrated mounting assembly includes multiple printhead support components 1 and a device assembly plate 12, which are used for mounting various printhead mounting modules of the printer. The device assembly plate 12 adopts a perforated plate design. The upper half of the device assembly plate 12 has six pre-drilled holes for connection to the slider of the printer's motion axis, while the lower half has four rows of mounting holes pre-drilled at 10mm intervals in the horizontal direction, arranged symmetrically along the central axis. This spacing and perforated structure facilitates adjustment of the spacing of the multiple printhead support components 1 according to the specific size of the printhead, improving the device's size compatibility with different types and shapes of printheads. The printhead support components 1 are mounted on the device assembly plate 12, and the number of printhead support components 1 can be increased or decreased according to the number of printheads to be installed. The component structure of the printhead support component 1 consists of a first flange, a second flange, and a support wing plate connecting the two flanges. The first flange is connected to the connecting device assembly plate 12, and the second flange is used to connect the printhead mounting modules.

[0035] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The conversion drive assembly includes a shaft end retaining ring 2, a spring washer 3, a hexagonal head bolt 4, a crankshaft pulley connecting plate 5, a pulley mounting shaft 6, a drive pulley 7, a driven pulley 37, a synchronous belt 8, a reducer 9, a servo motor 10 with an encoder, and a motor mounting base 11. The servo motor 10 with an encoder is mounted on one side of the motor mounting base 11, and the reducer 9 is mounted on the other side. The output shaft of the servo motor 10 with an encoder is connected to the reducer 9. The reducer 9 is fastened to the drive pulley 7 via the shaft end retaining ring 2, the spring washer 3, and the hexagonal head bolt 4. The drive pulley 7 drives the driven pulley 37 to rotate via the synchronous belt 8. The driven pulley 37 is also connected to the pulley mounting shaft 6 via the shaft end retaining ring 2, the spring washer 3, and the hexagonal head bolt 4, and is connected to the crankshaft pulley connecting plate 5 via the flange of the pulley mounting shaft 6, thereby driving the printhead mounting module to convert.

[0036] The encoder-equipped servo motor 10 and reducer 9 in the conversion drive assembly are fixed to the back of the device assembly plate 12 via the motor mounting bracket 11 to save overall space of the device.

[0037] The printhead mounting module consists of three parts: a crankshaft crank motion guide frame, a slider printhead mounting frame, and a printhead support adjustment frame.

[0038] See Figure 4In (a) and (b), the crankshaft crank motion guide frame includes a lateral fixing plate 15, a deep groove ball bearing 16, a shaft spring retainer 17, a bore spring retainer 18, a quick-connect sleeve 19, a crankshaft connecting plate 20, a crankshaft adjusting section component 21, a crank 22, a sliding bearing 23, a miniature ball linear guide pair 29, and a guide rail end limit switch 30. The lateral fixing plate 15 has mounting holes for mounting the deep groove ball bearing 16. The lateral fixing plate 15 and the deep groove ball bearing 16 are assembled via the bore spring retainer 18. The inner hole of the deep groove ball bearing 16 is used to install the quick-connect sleeve 19, and the deep groove ball bearing 16 and the quick-connect sleeve 19 are assembled via the shaft spring retainer 17. The quick-connect sleeve 19 is used to install the crankshaft connecting plate 20. A crankshaft adjusting section part 21 is installed on the other side of the crankshaft connecting plate 20. A sliding bearing 23 is fitted onto the crankshaft adjusting section part 21, and a crank 22 is fitted onto the sliding bearing 23. A miniature ball linear guide pair 29 and a guide rail end limit switch 30 are installed on the lateral fixing plate 15 for limiting and guiding the slider printhead mounting bracket.

[0039] See Figure 5 The quick-connect sleeve 19, crankshaft connecting plate 20, crankshaft adjusting section part 21, crank 22, and sliding bearing 23 form a modular crankshaft-crank assembly. The mating shaft sections of the quick-connect sleeve 19, crankshaft connecting plate 20, and crankshaft adjusting section part 21 are all designed as universally sized hexagonal prism structures. A threaded center hole is provided at the center of the hexagonal prism end face, and threaded holes are also provided on the side walls of the hexagonal hole sections that mate with the hexagonal prisms. Set screws are used to securely assemble the crankshaft components. This component assembly design of the crankshaft section greatly reduces the difficulty of component processing and installation, and improves component interchangeability. Different sized printheads can be adapted for installation simply by selecting crankshaft adjusting section parts of different lengths.

[0040] Quick-connect sleeve 19 is a shared part of two adjacent printhead mounting module assemblies, and the leftmost quick-connect sleeve 19 is connected to the crankshaft pulley connecting disc 5 (see...). Figure 3 The crankshaft and crank assembly works in conjunction with each other to transmit the driving force provided by the driven pulley 37, thereby driving the printhead mounting module to switch positions. By adjusting the mating angles of the hexagonal prisms and hexagonal holes of each component, two to six crankshaft and crank assemblies can be staggered, thereby driving the alternating lifting and lowering of up to six printheads. The optical shaft in the middle of the crankshaft adjustment section component 21 engages with the large hole of the crank 22 through the sliding bearing 23. The small hole of the crank 22 is used to drive the slider printhead mounting bracket. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 (a) and (b).

[0041] For details, see Figure 4The quick-connect sleeve 19 in the crankshaft-crank assembly mates with the deep groove ball bearing 16 via a shaft spring retainer 17. Simultaneously, the deep groove ball bearing 16 mates with the mounting hole of the lateral fixing plate 15 via a bore spring retainer 18. Here, the lateral fixing plate 15 is bolted to the printhead support 1 (see...). Figure 3 The side mounting plate 15 and the printhead support 1 are shared parts of adjacent printhead mounting module assemblies. On both sides of the side mounting plate 15, mounting positions are reserved for the miniature ball linear guide pair 29 and the guide rail end limit switch 30, which can be installed according to actual needs. In fact, the crankshaft-crank assembly (see...) Figure 5 Together with a side fixing plate 15, a deep groove ball bearing 16, a shaft spring retainer 17, and a hole spring retainer 18, they form the crankshaft crank motion guide frame in the printhead mounting module.

[0042] For details, see Figure 4 In (a) and (b), the crankshaft crank motion guide frame is connected to the slider printhead mounting frame via the ball slider of the miniature ball linear guide pair 29. The slider printhead mounting frame includes a slider frame adjustment front panel 13, a slider frame side wall plate 14, a slider frame pin 24, a pin spring retaining ring 25, a pin sliding bearing 26, a slider frame connector 27, and a slider frame adjustment rear plate 28.

[0043] The slider frame adjustment rear plate 28 is arranged parallel to the slider frame adjustment front panel 13, and two slider frame side wall plates 14 are arranged between the slider frame adjustment rear plate 28 and the slider frame adjustment front panel 13. Thus, the slider frame adjustment rear plate 28, the slider frame adjustment front panel 13, and the two slider frame side wall plates 14 form a cavity for placing the printhead support adjustment frame.

[0044] Specifically, the inner side of the slider frame sidewall plate 14 has two protrusions, upper and lower, for mounting different types of printheads. A slider frame adjustment front panel 13 is installed at the front of the slider frame sidewall plate 14 to secure the printheads. A slider frame adjustment rear panel 28 is installed at the rear of the slider frame sidewall plate 14, and a slider frame connector 27 is installed on the back of the slider frame adjustment rear panel 28. Compatibility with different types of printheads can be achieved by modifying the width dimensions of the slider frame adjustment front panel 13 and the slider frame adjustment rear panel 28. The slider frame connector 27 has two support hole structures for mounting the slider frame pin 24, which is secured using a pin spring retainer 25. The slider frame pin 24 engages with the small hole in the crank 22 of the crankshaft-crank assembly via a pin sliding bearing 26, effectively supporting the reciprocating motion of the crankshaft-crank assembly. The slider frame sidewall plate 14 is connected to the lateral fixing plate 15 via a miniature ball linear guide pair 29, thereby guiding the movement of the slider printhead mounting frame.

[0045] The miniature ball linear guide 29 is tilted, serving as a guide for the slider printhead mounting bracket. This significantly shortens the printhead's travel distance during switching, ensuring a slow and stable start-up and shutdown process. The crankshaft-crank assembly is positioned on the extension line of the miniature ball linear guide 29, at the rear and upper part of the entire printhead conversion device. This layout ensures sufficient space above the printhead mounting bracket, enhancing the conversion device's ability to integrate and adapt to printheads of different heights.

[0046] The slider printhead mounting bracket is designed as a panel assembly. Each slider printhead mounting bracket consists of a slider bracket adjustment front panel 13, two slider bracket side wall panels 14, and a slider bracket adjustment rear panel 28, forming a cavity for placing the printhead support adjustment bracket. This effectively simplifies the component structure, improves the versatility of the components, and allows for the adaptation and installation of printheads of different sizes simply by changing the width of the slider bracket adjustment front panel 13 and the slider bracket adjustment rear panel 28.

[0047] The printhead support adjustment frame includes a printhead centering plate 32, a printhead support rod 33, a printhead support plate 34, a printhead lower support rod 35, a printhead Z-axis limiting plate 36, and a printhead lower support plate 38. For details, see [link to documentation]. Figure 6 In (a) and (b), taking various types of printheads 31 as a reference, a printhead Z-axis limiting plate 36 is set below each type of printhead 31. Four printhead lower support rods 35 are set on the printhead Z-axis limiting plate 36, and a printhead lower support plate 38 is set on the printhead lower support rods 35. A printhead upper support plate 34 is set on the upper part of each type of printhead 31. Four printhead upper support rods 33 are set on the printhead upper support plate 34, and a printhead centering plate 32 is set on the printhead upper support rods 33. The printhead Z-axis limiting plate 36, the printhead upper support plate 34, the printhead lower support plate 38, and the printhead centering plate 32 are all provided with through holes. Through the through holes of different shapes, adaptation, compatibility, and locking of printheads of different types and appearances can be achieved.

[0048] Various types of printheads 31 are mounted on the side wall plate 14 of the slider frame via a printhead centering plate 32, a printhead support rod 33, a printhead support plate 34, a printhead lower support rod 35, and a printhead Z-axis limiting plate 36. The printhead support plate 34 and the printhead lower support plate 38 support the weight of the various types of printheads 31. The printhead centering plate 32 ensures that the printhead nozzle is centered on the crankshaft assembly, thus guaranteeing consistent positioning accuracy before and after switching between different printheads. The printhead Z-axis limiting plate 36 limits the length of the printhead nozzle protruding from the printhead lower support plate 38, ensuring that the printhead nozzles are at the same height in the working position. The printhead support rod 33 and the printhead lower support rod 35 are made of thick-walled nylon tubing with tapped ends, allowing for on-site cutting and processing according to the specific height dimensions of the printhead to ensure proper installation and calibration.

[0049] During multi-material 3D printing, when it is necessary to change various types of print heads 31, the encoder-equipped servo motor 10 starts working. The output shaft of the encoder-equipped servo motor 10 is reduced in speed by the reducer 9 (planetary gear reducer), and drives the entire crankshaft-crank assembly to rotate through the transmission mechanism composed of the synchronous belt 8 and pulley 7. Driven by the crankshaft-crank assembly, the slider print head mounting bracket, which is equipped with various types of print heads 31, reciprocates along the miniature ball linear guide rail pair 29 installed on the crankshaft-crank motion guide frame. Each miniature ball linear guide rail pair 29 has a guide rail end limit switch 30 installed at its lowest end. As the crankshaft-crank assembly rotates, the sliders of each set of miniature ball linear guide rail pairs 29 reach their limits in sequence. When the slider corresponding to the print head to be called moves to the lowest end of the miniature ball linear guide rail pair 29, the guide rail end limit switch 30 of the corresponding print head will be triggered. The printer's control system recognizes the response signal and controls the encoder-equipped servo motor 10 to stop moving. At this time, the print head descends to the working height and printing can begin. Meanwhile, other printheads are raised to a non-working position by the crankshaft and crank assembly, ensuring that the non-working printheads do not interfere with the printing area. During this period, operators can replace and replenish consumables for the non-working printheads.

[0050] The printhead switching is driven by a servo motor 10 with an encoder, which improves the positioning accuracy along the Z-axis before and after the printhead switching, thereby ensuring that the single-layer printing thickness of different materials is consistent.

[0051] This invention, utilizing a crankshaft-crank motion guide frame, only requires the introduction of a motor drive control system into the existing motion system of the 3D printer to switch between multiple printheads within a certain range, greatly simplifying the structural composition of the multi-printhead conversion device. Appropriate motors can be selected based on the maximum number of printheads required, further simplifying the structure of the multi-printhead conversion device.

[0052] This invention employs a crankshaft-crank assembly to enable the switching of multiple printheads. The crankshaft rotation drives the linear motion of the slider printhead mount, resulting in a sinusoidal velocity distribution during printhead switching. This achieves a slow start and slow stop during printhead switching, effectively reducing the impact on the overall printer structure compared to the abrupt starts and stops of a linear motion axis. Furthermore, the angled layout of the crankshaft-crank assembly ensures the adaptability of the slider printhead mount to different types of 3D printheads in the height direction.

Claims

1. A variable size modular print head conversion device for multi-material 3D printing, characterized by, The integrated installation assembly, the conversion driving assembly and the print head installation module are provided; The integrated installation assembly comprises a plurality of print head supports (1) and a device assembly plate (12), the print head supports (1) are arranged on the device assembly plate (12), the print head installation module is arranged on the print head supports (1), the conversion driving assembly is connected with the print head installation module, and the conversion driving assembly comprises a crankshaft pulley connecting disc (5), a pulley mounting shaft (6), a driving pulley (7), a synchronous belt (8), a speed reducer (9), a belt encoder servo motor (10) and a driven pulley (37); wherein the output shaft of the belt encoder servo motor (10) is connected with the speed reducer (9), the speed reducer (9) is fastened with the driving pulley (7), the driving pulley (7) drives the driven pulley (37) to rotate through the synchronous belt (8), and the driven pulley (37) drives the print head installation module to convert. The print head installation module comprises a crankshaft crank movement guide frame, a slider print head mounting frame and a print head support adjustment frame; the crankshaft crank movement guide frame is connected with the slider print head mounting frame, the print head support adjustment frame is arranged on the slider print head mounting frame, the crankshaft crank movement guide frame comprises a lateral fixing plate (15), a deep groove ball bearing (16), a quick connecting shaft sleeve (19), a crankshaft connecting plate (20), a crankshaft adjustment section part (21), a crank (22) and a sliding bearing (23), wherein the deep groove ball bearing (16) is arranged on the lateral fixing plate (15), the quick connecting shaft sleeve (19) is arranged on the deep groove ball bearing (16), the quick connecting shaft sleeve (19) is arranged on one side of the crankshaft connecting plate (20), the crankshaft adjustment section part (21) is arranged on the other side of the crankshaft connecting plate (20), the sliding bearing (23) is sleeved on the crankshaft adjustment section part (21), the crank (22) is sleeved on the sliding bearing (23), and the crankshaft crank movement guide frame further comprises a micro ball linear guide rail pair (29) and a guide rail end limit switch (30), and the micro ball linear guide rail pair (29) and the guide rail end limit switch (30) are arranged on the lateral fixing plate (15); the lateral fixing plate (15) is connected with the print head support (1), the slider print head mounting frame comprises a slider frame adjustment front plate (13), a slider frame side wall plate (14) and a slider frame adjustment rear plate (28), wherein the slider frame adjustment rear plate (28) is arranged in parallel with the slider frame adjustment front plate (13), two slider frame side wall plates (14) are arranged between the slider frame adjustment rear plate (28) and the slider frame adjustment front plate (13), and the slider frame adjustment rear plate (28), the slider frame adjustment front plate (13) and the two slider frame side wall plates (14) form a cavity for placing the print head support adjustment frame.

2. A variable size modular print head conversion device for multi-material 3D printing according to claim 1, wherein, The print head support (1) comprises a first flange and a second flange for connecting the print head installation module, and the two flanges are connected through a wing plate; the first flange is connected with the device assembly plate (12).

3. A variable size modular print head conversion device for multi-material 3D printing according to claim 1, wherein, The slider frame side wall plate (14) is connected with the lateral fixing plate (15) through the micro ball linear guide rail pair (29); and the micro ball linear guide rail pair (29) is arranged in an inclined manner.

4. The variable size modular print head conversion device for multi- material 3D printing of claim 1, wherein, The slider printhead mounting bracket also includes a slider frame pin (24), a pin sliding bearing (26), and a slider frame connector (27). The slider frame adjustment plate (28) is mounted on the slider frame connector (27). The slider frame connector (27) has a hole, and the slider frame pin (24) is installed in the hole. The slider frame connector (27) is connected to the slider frame pin (24). The pin sliding bearing (26) is mounted on the slider frame pin (24). The pin sliding bearing (26) is connected to the crank (22).

5. The variable size modular print head conversion device for multi- material 3D printing of claim 1, wherein, The printhead support adjustment frame includes a printhead centering plate (32), a printhead support plate (34), and a printhead Z-direction limiting plate (36). The printhead Z-direction limiting plate (36) is set at the bottom of the cavity, and the printhead support plate (34) is set on the printhead Z-direction limiting plate (36). The printhead lower support plate (38) is set at the upper part of the cavity, and the printhead centering plate (32) is set on the printhead lower support plate (38). The printhead Z-direction limiting plate (36), the two printhead support plates (34), and the printhead centering plate (32) are all provided with through holes.

6. The variable size modular print head conversion device for multi- material 3D printing of claim 1, wherein, Multiple print head support rods (33) are provided between the print head Z-direction limiting plate (36) and the print head support plate (34), and multiple print head lower support rods (35) are provided between the print head lower support plate (38) and the print head centering plate (32).

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